Several senators on Wednesday committed to work with President Rodrigo Duterte after the chief executive said he will seek the help of both houses of Congress to solve the problem of illegal drugs in the country.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, said calling the assistance of the legislative branch was “long in coming.”
“Calling the members of both houses of Congress to assist is long in coming, but it’s never too late. I’m thankful that he acknowledges that he can’t do it alone and needs our assistance to defeat the drug menace,” Lacson said in a text message to reporters.
Lacson, former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said most of his proposed laws are in support of Duterte’s anti-crime efforts. These include amending the anti-wiretapping law, restoring the death penalty for illegal drugs offenses, and enhancing the authority of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, said calling the assistance of the legislative branch was “long in coming.”
“Calling the members of both houses of Congress to assist is long in coming, but it’s never too late. I’m thankful that he acknowledges that he can’t do it alone and needs our assistance to defeat the drug menace,” Lacson said in a text message to reporters.
Lacson, former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said most of his proposed laws are in support of Duterte’s anti-crime efforts. These include amending the anti-wiretapping law, restoring the death penalty for illegal drugs offenses, and enhancing the authority of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
“He has my unequivocal support in the fight against illegal drugs even without being asked, like every peace loving Filipino should,” Lacson said.
Senator Sonny Angara said it was “ideal” to work with both houses of Congress to approach the problem “holistically.”
“It is a peace and order problem but also a public health problem and needs to be approached that way. Also, funding will be needed for rehabilitation and other solutions so working with both houses of Congress is ideal,” Angara said in a text message.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, for his part, emphasized on looking into long-term solutions to put an end to the illegal drug menace.
“To fight this enormous menace to our society and the youth, all branches of government, executive, legislative and judiciary should work together to formulate long-term solutions to end illegal drugs,” he said.
Senator Sonny Angara said it was “ideal” to work with both houses of Congress to approach the problem “holistically.”
“It is a peace and order problem but also a public health problem and needs to be approached that way. Also, funding will be needed for rehabilitation and other solutions so working with both houses of Congress is ideal,” Angara said in a text message.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, for his part, emphasized on looking into long-term solutions to put an end to the illegal drug menace.
“To fight this enormous menace to our society and the youth, all branches of government, executive, legislative and judiciary should work together to formulate long-term solutions to end illegal drugs,” he said.
Senator Joel Villanueva also welcomed the approach of Duterte.
“I think this is a good idea to have a multi-agency/multi-institution approach to this problem so that everyone has buy-in and support to the initiative,” Villanueva said.
Before flying to Tokyo for an official visit to Japan on Tuesday, Duterte indicated that he would reach out to the Senate and the House of Representatives for a consensus on how to solve the drug problem.
"What I’m trying to say is I'm trying to call a consensus sa itaas. Lahat na senator and congressmen, kasi napakabigat po ng problema na ito. Kasi kung ako lang, hindi ko kaya," he said.
“I think this is a good idea to have a multi-agency/multi-institution approach to this problem so that everyone has buy-in and support to the initiative,” Villanueva said.
Before flying to Tokyo for an official visit to Japan on Tuesday, Duterte indicated that he would reach out to the Senate and the House of Representatives for a consensus on how to solve the drug problem.
"What I’m trying to say is I'm trying to call a consensus sa itaas. Lahat na senator and congressmen, kasi napakabigat po ng problema na ito. Kasi kung ako lang, hindi ko kaya," he said.
Source: gmanetwork
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